Martin Professional A/S has announced the hiring of a new president and CEO, Christian Engsted, a 41-year old Dane who started with the company on May 17th. Endsted takes over from Kristian Kolding who resigned at the end of 2004.
Engsted brings with him vast experience in international management. Prior to his hiring at Martin, he worked for SeaWest WindPower, a leading American wind plant developer and operator, where he acted as company head since 2001. Prior to that, he was president of a number of subsidiaries of the ABB Group, a leader in power and automation technologies. His business experience includes periods of residence in Sweden, East Africa, and North America.
"Martin is an exciting company with a powerful brand, a very competent staff and a position as a global market leader,” Engsted commented. “My first challenge will be to restore profits and improve cash flow. The weakening of the US dollar has changed market conditions but with increased focus on our core business, an organisation that adapts to market conditions and a more flexible cost structure, I see great potential in Martin. I'm looking forward to completing this mission in the coming years with help from my new colleagues.”
Jens Bjerg Sørensen, President of Martin Professional owner Schouw & Co., expressed his satisfaction with the hiring. "In Christian Engsted, we have found a focused, experienced, and competent leader who has proven his ability to create positive changes and results. With Engsted, Martin will have a visionary strategist with vast international experience. The Board is confident that with him at the helm, the recently launched business plan for Martin will be infused with new energy and initiative.”